More from Morgan

Books: Manifesto: Unlock the Life You Desire by Candice Brathwaite

I found myself picking up more self-help books this year than ever before. One I actually finished was Manifesto by Candice Brathwaite. I had heard of her before due to her previous book, I Am Not Your Baby Mother, but I only started following her on Instagram this year. Her motivational content, cute clothes, and British accent had my attention, so when she announced Manifesto, I decided to purchase it from Blackwell’s in the U.K. It isn’t published in the U.S yet and arrived to my door a bit banged up, so if you’re interested in getting a copy, I think it’s ok to wait until it’s more easily accessible.

I’m looking to make my own life changes and manifesting is just one piece of the puzzle. While I enjoyed reading the book, if you’re someone already familiar with manifestation and the ways of doing it, then this book won’t offer much of anything new. She discusses a number of tools for manifestations, such as gratitude, vision board, and meditation as ways to manifest. Her most unique manifestation technique is ASKfirmations, which turns an affirmation into a question you must answer positively, but nonetheless, I needed the reminders on how to make magic in my everyday life by carving out the space to remind myself that I can create the life that I want and that includes enjoying the life I already have. 

The one thing I had to remind myself while reading her book is that I will not have her life. It’s hard to admit that I do admire a number of the people I’ve never met online and get invested in parasocial relationships. And if I am going to use the tools in the book to work on my own self-esteem and relationship with my own life then I can’t fixate on how her life looks on Instagram or anyone else’s.  

My favorite part of the book is her chapter on happiness, the last chapter of the book. I think that it is the perfect way to end a book on manifestation. For me, it served as a reminder that while I want more for myself and deserve more, that I can still choose happiness without ignoring the things I want to change. She does a good job in the book not ignoring real social inequities that affect our lives while also acknowledging how we react to those injustices also matter too. That we can allow those challenges to either stop us or we can continue to move forward. I plan to keep this lesson in mind. 

Beauty: The Sephora Sale Starts November 1st

The internet has now made the Sephora sale something I look forward to as a VIB Rouge member. This isn’t something I’m exactly proud of. 20% off isn’t a great deal but feels like it for a store that rarely runs any sales. 

What I do enjoy most is the online chatter, the YouTube videos and the instagram posts made about what’s going into everyone’s cart. It’s a fun conversation I have with the people in my life who also shop the sale. I get excited to put makeup in and out of my virtual cart until I’m finally satisfied with my items and hit the order button.

But I must say, this year, makeup isn’t doing its thing like it did years prior. I am finding myself bored with what’s out there. This could be from being a makeup enthusiast for years now and remembering the golden age of makeup on the internet between 2009-2015. Much of what’s being sold isn’t innovative, and now being in my 30s, I know more of what works for me, and I’m not willing to stray away and try new trends as much as I was in my 20s. 

I’ve gotten more into fragrances the past few years and I am learning what notes I like. This makes me less willing to try new fragrances as well. I feel like I can justify only owning so many vanilla perfumes before they all start to smell the same.

Here are a few things I’m considering buying when it’s all said and done:

1. One Size Jumbo Setting Spray - I like using this spray to seal in my makeup once my face is complete. The jumbo size is too hard to resist. 

2. Ami Cole Midnight Duo - I’ve owned every color of the Ami Cole lip oil since their inception. The gold and silver shimmer shades will be no different. 

3. PHLUR Soft Spot perfume - I’ve wanted to try this scent for a while now and Sephora finally has it. Time to try the travel size. 

4. Laneige Cream Skin Refillable Toner - I already use this toner and love it. It’s good for those looking to pack in more moisture into their skin. Picking up the mini size specifically for travel.

5. Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Garth - A cool toned brown lipstick I heard about from ieshathegr8 on Instagram. She wears it with stone lip pencil from MAC. I’m tempted to try the lip combo out. 

6. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Celestial Purple - This sale is good to buy luxury makeup that doesn’t go on sale, so I wanted to give this lavender sparkly gloss a try. 

7. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Shimmering Nude - I’ve been eyeing this shade for months now and it’s time to grab it! Clearly, I love a glittery gloss.

P.S. - I don’t get any revenue from any links posted. I’m not there yet.

A Note about the Election

The next installment to this newsletter will be after November 5th. I’ve been nervous about this election since the clock struck twelve on January 1st, 2024. I’ve casted my vote and I hope you do too. Please take care of yourselves as we all wait for the results in less than a week.

Thanks for reading.

Love, from Morgan ❤️